Dom Simpson and Natalie Kassanga in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.This isn't just a show; it's a complete sensory transformation. The theatre itself has been utterly reimagined. Piccadilly Theatre has transformed into something sensational, and as soon as you walk in to find your seats, you're transported to what feels genuinely like the Moulin Rouge. I spent a good ten minutes before the show just drinking in the visual feast - the crimson decor, the chandeliers, the iconic windmill and elephant flanking the stage. It's genuinely jaw-dropping.
The pre-show experience that sets everything apart.
Here's something I wasn't expecting: the cast even enters the stage early and are near you dancing and performing, so it feels like the show starts before it actually does! This pre-show atmosphere-building is brilliant - it immediately pulls you into their world. Make sure you get there a bit earlier, as there is a little "show before the show" that really builds the atmosphere.
A spectacular overload (in the best way!)
Once the actual show begins, it's like being hit by a glittering tidal wave of pure entertainment. Once the show begins, it's a cacophony of lights, music, extraordinary dancers, and beautiful voices. The choreography is flawless - I've heard stories of the previous Dance Captain Jason Leigh Winter cutting and re-cutting the show so that it's nothing short of flawless at every performance. It is flawless! As is every dancer. Wow. The costumes and staging are on another level entirely. This show must cost a fortune to produce! But it's worth it. Every single detail has been crafted to dazzle, and it succeeds.
The Music: A Pop Culture Time Machine
As a jukebox musical, Moulin Rouge throws everything at you - and I mean everything. I found it hard to sit still and not sing-along to some of the amazing songs that were remixed into the show, with popular hits from Britney Spears, Whitney Houston to Cher, and many, many more. The way they weave contemporary hits into the story is genuinely clever, creating medleys that shouldn't work but absolutely do.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre, London. Photo credit Marc Brenner.
The Heart of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
What surprised me most was how emotionally affecting the story is. It has a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that will pull at even the toughest of heartstrings. While some critics argue the spectacle overshadows the substance, I found myself genuinely invested in Christian and Satine's love story, particularly in the final act. The performances are stellar across the board. When I saw it, Melissa James as Satine was unbelievably stunning. Her voice and her star quality shine brightly. You need a true superstar to pull off this lead role, and Melissa is it; the perfect sparkly Diamond.
Are tickets to see Moulin Rouge! The Musical worth the price?
Let's address the elephant in the room - the tickets to see Moulin Rouge in London's West End are undeniably expensive. But here's the thing: now that I've been to see the show, I think that it's worth the ticket price. I'll be going back and I'll pay the eye-watering price for a good seat in the stalls when I can. It really is that good.
Practical tips for visiting Moulin Rouge The Musical
The pre-show atmosphere is part of the experience. Seating matters: if you're on the shorter side like me (I'm 5'3"), I recommend booking a seat closer to the stage or possibly in an elevated section. Prepare for sensory overload: This show comes at you fast and doesn't let up. Don't expect subtlety, this is maximalist theatre at its finest.
Did Moulin Rouge The Musical live up to the hype?
Absolutely. This is theatre as pure entertainment - bold, brash, and utterly unapologetic about its commitment to spectacle. I loved the show, it was just what I needed to blow the cobwebs away and give me a real buzz. Is it deep? No. Is it life-changing? Probably not. But is it two and a half hours of absolute theatrical joy that will leave you grinning from ear to ear? Absolutely yes.
Moulin Rouge the Musical in London's West End is the best musical I have ever seen. This is a show that reminds you why live theatre exists - to transport you completely out of your everyday world into something extraordinary.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is currently booking until 21 February 2026.
As our Customer Review of the Month, we were glad to offer Joann two tickets to see John Lithgow in Giant at the Harold Pinter Theatre. If you've booked a ticket with London Box Office recently, don't forget to leave us a review after your visit. Stay tuned to find out who next month's winner will be.
